J.3 CONVENTIONAL FURNITURE
J.3.1 SEATING
Numerous types of seating are included with conventional furniture, including operational, stationary chairs, and several types of lounge seating.
J.3.1.1 Operational Seating
The awareness of ergonomics is important when choosing task chairs. Five prong base chairs with casters are suggested to provide excellent stability and mobility. Casters should be composed of dual hard wheels for use on carpet, and single soft wheels for use on hard flooring surfaces. Chair arms should be replaceable or removable in the field. Molded plastic arms, used for most applications, are easier to maintain; upholstered arms tend to soil easily with high use. Adjustable arms are required for intensive use by computer operators. Chair frames should be finished in chrome or a powder coated epoxy. Wood based chairs are more expensive and may be chosen for executive use.
J.3.1.2 Stationary Chairs
Stationary chairs with four posted legs are suggested. These chairs are not often moved since they are used as office side chairs or perimeter seating in conference rooms. Sled based chairs offer sliding motions when scooting in and out from under tables and desks. Provide appropriate chair glides for either carpet or hard floor surfaces. Clear glides are preferred on hard floor surfaces since black glides tend to leave marks. Seating used in dining facilities and cafeterias should have "wipe-out channels" or chair backs that are spaced from their seats for ease of cleaning.
J.3.1.3 Lounge Seating
Lounge seating is defined as fully upholstered seating for lobbies, waiting areas, lounge areas, and private executive offices. All internal frame parts should be kiln-dried hardwoods. All exposed parts should be cut from #1 common or better grade hardwood with uniform grain and color uniformity. Frame joints should be carefully fitted and secured with dowels. Frames must be reinforced and corner block mitered to fit securely. Each seat foundation is to be 8-1/2 gauge sinuous wire springs clinched to insulated tie wires and strapped to tie rails and back post. Back construction should be 11 gauge wire spring construction stretched between top and bottom spring rails and secured with double staples. The spring system should be covered with noise free insulating fabric and stapled to the frame on all sides. Seats are to be cushioned with 1.80 lbs density polyurethane foam with 32 lbs of construction. Each seat cushion should be wrapped with resin treated polyester fiber to give a smooth, even finish. Chair backs and cushions should be 1.10 lbs density polyurethane foam with 20 lbs for back compression and 35 lbs for arm compression.
Backs and arms should be topped with blended fiber battings for smooth, even appearances. All units should be constructed to allow for field reupholstering and repair. Upholstery patterns should be marked on the vertical and horizontal for uniform pattern. Upholstery should be treated with soil retardants. Waiting area seating for medical facilities should accommodate children, pregnant women, the elderly, heavy or tall people, and the physically weak. All seating should have arms for ease in and out of seated positions. Chair seats shall be firm, level with the floor, and not at a decline toward the backs of the chairs.
J.3.2 SEATING TYPES
General office spaces
Group level office spaces
Command level spaces
Waiting and Break areas
Conference rooms.
- Smaller conference rooms.
J.3.3 FUNCTION
Furniture selection will depend on the function of the space and how much flexibility is required. A very important feature to consider when purchasing any furniture item is the warranty. Research how each manufacturer deals with their warranties and response time, and use the warranties if problems arise. Avoid altering furniture without the manufacturer's guidance or assistance to prevent voiding warranties.
J.3.4 FLEXIBILITY
Flexible furniture design is an essential element of efficient facility planning while accommodating dynamic requirements. Designers must keep in mind how functions may evolve, and which furnishings may require future modifications. Rapid technological advancements often demand upgraded equipment, power, and communication requirements. The elements of pure design, including structural expression, suitability of materials, harmonious visual and tactile features, and classic furnishings, will always remain the foundation of good design. Designers should avoid trendy or dated finishes and design features. Furnishings should incorporate creative but not extreme designs, reflect quality but not opulence, and be capable of being updated to accommodate changes in functions.
Modular furniture is similar to systems furniture except that all work surfaces are floor supported rather than panel supported. It is also referred to as automatic data processing (ADP) or electronic data processing (EDP) furniture. Modular furniture is comprised of components that are usually field replaceable or field reupholstered. For example, a user can replace a damaged arm rather then a whole chair on site without taking the chair out of commission.
J.3.5 MAINTENANCE
When making selections, designers must consider product performance and longevity of appeal, as well as initial costs. As the appeal of finish materials degrades, users want to replace them; therefore, products that keep their appearance and shape longer are better choices even when initial costs are higher.
Durable designs and finishes pass the "test of time." Designers must be concerned with material durability and wearability while considering budget restrictions. Selections of quality materials and products must also be appropriate to the function and level of use of each facility.
Some general examples for selecting furniture are:
The use of easily maintained finishes is critical. While certain finishes may provide excellent durability, designers must give serious consideration to maintaining the appeal of materials. It is critical that designers be familiar with finishes that wear well and require low maintenance.
J.3.6 TABLES AND COUNTERTOPS
The undersides of table tops may not be less than 28 inches from floors, while table tops for sitting applications are not to exceed 30 inches from floors. The height of tables for standing applications is not to exceed 36 inches from the floor.
Each table top should be constructed of one piece unless the table length is too long to fit in a doorway and, therefore, must be shipped in two or more pieces. Core materials must meet or exceed strength requirements for commercial standards. Particle board must have a minimum density of 48 lbs. per cubic feet. Cores must be sanded from top to bottom leaving smooth edges. Laminates or veneers must be glued uniformly and evenly to ensure adhesion and stability. Applied edging must be mitered, and all wood edges must be hardwood. Laminate tops are to be used with vinyl edging, self-edging, or solid wood edging. Wood veneer tops are appropriate for conference rooms and executive areas.
All bases must be appropriately sized to their tops and be equipped with leveling glides. All metal bases should be finished in powder coatings.
Wood tops are preferred for all tables in conference rooms, briefing rooms, and break rooms. The wood finish of tables should be coordinated with wood selected for the doors and trim in the area. Plastic laminate tops are acceptable in break rooms, colors to match cabinetry in the area. Conference tables should be sized to appropriately accommodate the size of function required in the room. Always provide side seating along the walls for extra people.
J.3.7 FREESTANDING OFFICE FURNITURE - CASEGOODS
Freestanding office furniture includes desks, credenzas, computer tables, executive "u" units, and bookcases.
Metal casegoods with laminate work surfaces should meet the standards and construction of systems furniture, yet they are floor supported (freestanding). Wood veneers should be edged with hardwoods, and all units should have glides for leveling.
Desk tops should be equipped with two grommets (two inches minimum in diameter) to allow for electrical cords. Location of grommets will vary depending on application. Work surface tops with rolled/soft edges are preferred to a straight edge for comfort. Drawers must use full extension, stop action progressive slides with precision ball bearing, and no metal-to-metal connection for smooth, quiet operation. Dovetail construction should be used on all corners. All drawers should be able to receive dividers and accommodate other filing options needed. Drawers should also be lockable and keyed alike, within each workstation, with removable cylinders for re-keying.
J.3.8 TEMPORARY LIVING FACILITIES AND DORMITORIES - CASEGOODS
Furniture for these spaces include: headboards, bed frames, night stands, wardrobes, units with drawers or open shelves, TV armoires, desks, writing tables, dressers, chests, mirrors, end tables, coffee tables, various types of seating/hide-a-beds, dining tables, computer accessibility, etc.
All furniture should be constructed of solid wood veneers, hardwood solids, or five-ply lumber-core with wood veneers. The suggested wood for all solid parts and veneers should be northern red oak or equal durable hardwood. The finished product can be treated and stained for the desired look. Particle board and cardboard are not acceptable. Back pieces must be equal to the sides in thickness, or a minimum of ¼" inch.
Drawer fronts, doors, desk tops, and other components should be removable and replaceable on site. This extends the life of a product by changing individual damaged parts, rather than ordering an entire new unit.
The dry construction method, with metal-to-metal connections, is the preferred method of construction. This method creates a stronger, more durable casegood; glue joints tend to fail. Screws, hinges, etc., should be concealed or inserted into the lumber for a clean, high quality look. Units held together only with glue and staples are unacceptable.
Dove-tail joinery should be used as drawer joints. Drawer pulls should be flush or recessed for furniture that is highly used. This prevents the pulls from being knocked off, or pulled off. Drawer bottoms should sit in grooves and the drawer sides should be reinforced. Epoxy coated metal drawer slides with nylon bearing rollers with automatic stop features are suggested. TV armoires and shelving units should have grommet holes in the backs in which to run electrical and telephone cords. All large units should come with leveling glides.
J.3.9 FILING CABINETS
Metal filing cabinets should be manufactured with rolled metal that is seamless on three sides and rounded at the corners for a smooth finish. When wood file cabinets are appropriate, use veneer surfaces and hardwood edges. An interlock system is required on drawers so that only one drawer will extend at one time. Drawers should have ball-bearing suspension systems with anti-rebound devices, and drawer pulls should be recessed so they do not get knocked off or get in the way of traffic.
All lateral files should have front-to-back and side-to-side filing options. Cabinets should be flexible to allow for fixed shelves on five high units, or roll-out shelves and drawers. All units should be equipped with glides of leveling devices to ensure drawers or doors open properly. Color should be electrostatically applied at the factory.
|